Key grips in Chicago train in lighting, makeup, props and craft services during a three-year apprenticeship, unlike in Los Angeles, where each function has its own union. "We have a better sense of what everybody else has to do."

Unofficial qualifications:

Can-do attitude. "Sometimes you have to say, 'It'll cost a lot of money,' or 'It will take a lot of guys,' but we always say, 'Yeah, we can do it.' "

Perks:

Shooting on the ice at the old Chicago Stadium; meeting John Belushi, Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Observation:

He sees the little ways the film industry helps Chicago's economy. A crew will order 60 pizzas: "There are so many tentacles to the business that touch the city."